How to Migrate to Canada With the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Over the years, many people, especially immigrants, have thronged to the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) in Canada to settle, for leisure, or do business.

Why, you may ask?

Well, despite being one of the smallest provinces in Canada, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is naturally very beautiful with a rich Canadian culture and history.

Besides, there are many good schools there and the pollution level and traffic density is very low. 

Other side attractions include the many beautiful beaches, nice golf courses, and various cultural attractions which combined together make for an exceptionally high quality of life in Prince Edward Island (PEI). 

Hence, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is now very popular among visitors and immigrants and the quest to immigrate or visit keeps increasing yearly.

There are many ways for foreigners to immigrate, live, or work in PEI but the most popular among them is the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 

Before you continue reading this article, you need to see my personal guide on moving to Canada you don’t want to overlook the secret and advice it has helped a lot of people.

In this article, I discuss what this Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is and how to take advantage of it to immigrate to Prince Edward Island (PEI) this year. 

What is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency in the province or territory based on the province or territory’s specific economic and labour market needs.

Here, each province and territory manages its own PNP streams and tailors them to address the local priorities, needs, and shortages.

Applicants who meet the criteria set by a particular province or territory may be nominated for permanent residency, provided they intend to live and work in the nominating province or territory.

Qualifications and benefits vary depending on the specific PNP stream, but generally, applicants with skills, work experience, or connections to a particular province are eligible.

Benefits include faster processing times and opportunities for settlement in a specific Canadian province or territory.

Don’t miss out;

Prince Edward Island PNP

The Prince Edward Island PNP codenamed “PEI PNP” is an immigration program managed by the province of Prince Edward Island that targets and attracts foreigners who would contribute positively to the Province of Prince Edward Island.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program is split up into two major categories: Business Impact and Labour Impact.

Each PEI provincial nominee program category is then further split into different subcategories, known as streams.

There are two ways for a prospective immigrant to obtain a nomination certification from the Provincial Nominee Program Prince Edward Island.

One way is the Express Entry method. 

Besides the Express Entry option, an applicant for this program can apply to the program directly through the PEI Office of Immigration.

Express Entry Prince Edward Island PNP

The Prince Edward Island PNP, accessed through the Express Entry route, enables successful applicants to become a Canada permanent resident much quicker, often in less than 6 months.

If accepted by the Prince Edward Island PNP, the applicant can then sign up for Express Entry and include his/her provincial nomination as “PNP PEI nomination” in the profile.

Another way to get a PNP PEI nomination is for an applicant to create an Express Entry profile and formally stipulate an interest in immigrating to PEI within the system.

The Prince Edward Island PNP can then directly get in touch with the prospective immigrant using Express Entry, inviting him/her to apply for the PNP.

If you’re a Canadian immigrant interested in the PNP PEI nomination, I highly recommend this method, as it also allows you to include your Express Entry Profile ID when submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the program.

With an Express Entry profile already created, on becoming a successful candidate your Express Entry score will be instantly credited for your provincial nomination by the PEI PNP. 

This will increase your Express Entry score by 600 points and also guarantee you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program

I hinted on this in the previous section but let me re-explain for clarity’s sake.

I said that one of 2 ways of getting to Prince Edward Island via the Provincial Nominee Program is to pass through the Canada Express Entry system. 

While on the Canada Express Entry system or website, you officially state that you want to be at Prince Edward Island, clearly explaining your intent, especially with regard to improving the province with your skills or other potentials. 

The Canada Express Entry system allows the province of Prince Edward Island officials to attract potential immigrants for their provincial nominee program.

If you meet the requirements, criteria or interests of the province, the province can send a “notification of interest” to you following your application on your Express Entry profile.

Besides, as a potential immigrant, you can apply directly to the program under the Business Impact or Labour Impact categories.

If you’re nominated for Canadian immigration by the PEI PNP you will get enough points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking Calculator to more or less be assured an invitation during the next draw.

Once given an invitation to apply to be a Canada Permanent Resident, it doesn’t take long to get accepted for PEI immigration as Express Entry processes applications in six months or less.

As you should know by now, not all applicants will be accepted into the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program through the Express Entry System.

As an applicant, you must have skills which meet current PEI labour needs.

These requirements vary over time as labour needs change in the province.

However, I encourage you to investigate the current needs of PEI before applying for the Express Entry System. This will go a long way in helping you scale through. 

If nominated through a PEI Express Entry stream, you can apply for residency through the CIC online system which is much more speedy.

Prince Edward Island PNP Eligibility

Minimum Requirements:

1. Must have an Express Entry profile.
2. Must be eligible for one of the three main federal economic class immigration programs namely: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
3. If you are a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holder or a spousal open work permit holder you must meet these criteria:

• Your PGWP must have at least four months of validity at the time you submit your EOI;
• Must have studied outside of PEI (or be a spouse to someone who studied outside PEI);
• Must have at least nine months of work experience under a PEI employer.

How to Apply

If you meet the minimum requirements above (and any others on the application website), the first step to applying for the PEI PNP Express Entry is to create a profile in the Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

When creating a profile, you will be asked multiple questions for which you must provide the correct information.

Application Fee: CAD $300

Processing time: 6 months

Note that: Double check the information you provide in your application although you may change it at any time.

Conclusion

Prince Edward Island is a great place to live and work, with a thriving community of people from around the world and all walks of life. 

If you intend to start or own a business or work in Canada, the Prince Edward Island immigration pathway is one you should seriously consider. 

The PEI nominee program is also of particular interest to recent graduates of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) who wish to remain in the province.